Premier League holders Chelsea will lock horns with London rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Blues have enjoyed a clear dominance over their cross-city counterparts on their home turf, but the defeats in the FA Cup final and Community Shield will still hurt Antonio Conte.
The reigning champions have won their last three outings in the top-flight following the opening day defeat to Burnley, and this sees them placed third on the Premier League table with nine points. Arsenal, on the other hand, have had an early stumble with defeats to Stoke City and Liverpool, although they clinched a convincing 3-0 victory over Bournemouth last time around. Arsene Wenger’s side are currently in the bottom half of the table in 11th with six points.
Previous league meeting:
The previous game between the clubs was at Stamford Bridge with the Blues running out 3-1 victors. Goals from Marcos Alonso, Eden Hazard and former Gunner Cesc Fabregas assured the Blues of three points while Olivier Giroud bagged a consolation goal at the end. The match saw a sublime solo goal from Hazard from the half-way mark – an effort which the Belgian regards as ‘one of his best‘.
Players to watch for:
Alvaro Morata – Chelsea:
The Spain international has already notched three goals and two assists in his maiden English campaign. While the focus will be on the returning Eden Hazard, Morata has quickly made himself a favourite among the Blues’ faithful with his desire to get behind opposition defenders. The striker’s movement off the ball has been simply sublime, and he will pose the biggest threat to the Gunners’ backline, which has looked unsettled this term.
Alexis Sanchez – Arsenal:
The Chile international was not in a buoyant mood after he scored in the 3-1 Europa League triumph over Koln. Sanchez would probably have found himself at Manchester City, if things went his way, but he still remains dedicated towards his job on the playing field. The attacker has been restricted to just a solitary start due to fitness issues, but Wenger would surely be tempted to start him on Sunday.
Prediction:
Chelsea have won their last five meetings with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, and it could result in a similar way unless the Gunners show up, Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal
Image – Getty
